
Playing the Lute. 



VISION OF HEAVEN. 



BY 

S. M. BURNHAM, M. A. 

Author pf " Struggles of the Nation," " A Roman 

Story," "Bible Characters," 

and other works. 






BOSTON : 
A. I. BRADLEY & CO. 



t c [ 



47585 



Library of Congress 

Ha Cows Receded 
SEP 15 1900 

Cooynght entry 

SECOND COPY. 

Delivered to 

ORDER DIVISION, 

SEP 19 l.qnn 



S0050 



Copyright, 1900, 
By A. I. Bradley & Co. 



3 



3>s 



A VISION OF HEAVEN. 



As I sat meditating on death and the unseen 
world of spirits, my thoughts became wholly ab- 
sorbed in the contemplation of the subject until 
the mind was lost in speculation. The material 
world gradually faded from sight, and those 
imperfectly defined images, and that vague con- 
sciousness, perceived at the gentle approach of 
sleep, finally yielded to emotions more vivid 
and scenes more wonderful than I ever before 
experienced or witnessed, though there were 
none of those strange incongruities and absurd- 
ities so often connected with dreams, but every- 
thing seemed real and consistent, a condition 
which might be compared to life without decay, 
vigor without lassitude, energy without weari- 
3 



ness, repose without inactivity, beauty without 
deformity, and sublimity without terror. 

I seemed to be in a strange place, where the 
persons and objects about me were unfamiliar, 
but what was more remarkable were the unusual 
thoughts and emotions of which I was con- 
scious. The period had arrived, I supposed, 
which had often been anticipated with mingled 
feelings of joy and fear, desire and dread, — the 
hour of death. Though enduring great physical 
suffering, the mind was clear, with every intel- 
lectual faculty in vigorous operation, while all 
earthly emotions were subdued, and the moral 
sense was free from human imperfection. So 
clear and rapid were the operations of the 
mental powers that the events and experiences 
of a lifetime passed in quick succession, when 
they were divested of all that was false and 
trivial. The struggle between the material and 
the spiritual, which had continued through life, 

4 



now became intense, and the soul, like an im- 
prisoned bird fluttering against the resisting 
bars of its narrow cage, labored to burst the 
bonds of clay and soar to the mansions on high. 
The senses, one after another, became uncon- 
scious of earthly things, while the sight, closed 
to the material world, beheld forms of celestial 
mould. 

Angelic beings, radiant in glory, hovered 
near ; loved ones of earth, long since gone, yet 
quickly recognized, with unutterable love and 
tenderness, beckoned me away. One more 
struggle between the physical and the spiritual, 
and the longing spirit was free. The mystery 
was solved ; the veil was rent asunder, and the 
emancipated soul was introduced into the eter- 
nal habitations. There was so great a contrast 
between the past and present condition that at 
first my mind was absorbed in contemplating 
the new circumstances of my situation. I be- 
5 



gan to understand the mystery of my being and 
the nature and capabilities of my faculties as 
never before. There was no confusion of ideas, 
no conflict of emotions, while there was perfect 
harmony, a consciousness of immortal vigor, a 
freedom from all suffering and all imperfection, 
unutterable joy at being released from earthly 
ills and forgiven for all past offences. 

I was not alone in this new mode of life, for 
there were those heavenly messengers of whom 
the departed spirit had vague impressions before 
its exit, now my constant attendants, who had 
been sent from the court of heaven to conduct 
me to the celestial city. They hovered about 
my dying couch, only half revealing their shad- 
owy forms, lest the mortal vision be overpow- 
ered by their heavenly glory; they cheered and 
illuminated my passage through the mystical 
Jordan, and stood beyond its turbid waters 
ready to receive me to their loving care. One 



of the glorious band had been appointed at my 
birth as my special guardian, and to his par- 
ticular care I was consigned to be instructed, 
and guided to the final abode of the blessed. 
To this guardian angel I was irresistibly at- 
tracted, for I had an instinctive consciousness 
that he comprehended me, having taken an 
interest in my destiny during my earthly pil- 
grimage, being present when danger and temp- 
tations beset my path ; that he had suggested 
noble and holy thoughts, to keep me from being 
overcome by man's arch-deceiver. Though so 
glorious and exalted, possessing attributes and 
powers marvellous to mortals, yet I had no fear 
of my heavenly conductor. Notwithstanding 
the consciousness of almost unlimited inferiority, 
it caused no painful sense of insignificance or 
repression, and I could not fail to improve rap- 
idly under his tuition. He revealed to me much 
of the mysterious connection and mutual influ- 
7 



ence of mind and matter ; the origin, history, 
and ultimate destination of material substances, 
their inherent properties and the hidden laws 
by which they are governed. Though my spirit 
had left its clayey tenement, it still lingered on 
this planet to investigate the wonders and beau- 
ties of the creation displayed in man's earthly 
habitation. Being endowed with marvellous 
powers of motion, I could pass from one part 
of our globe to another almost as quick as 
thought; besides, I was .endowed with new 
senses, so that I could perceive the latent prop- 
erties of the animal, vegetable, and mineral 
kingdoms. My guide instructed me in the 
history of our world, explained the interesting 
yet mysterious phenomena connected with its 
formation, which had engrossed the perplexed 
attention of the most profound philosophers and 
scientists ; but the most complete harmony per- 
vaded the works of the Creator when examined 



by my newly-developed powers. All apparent 
incongruities and mysteries in the Divine gov- 
ernment were reconciled, and all appeared so 
complete, so consistent, so just, and so beauti- 
ful, as to excite admiration and profound hom- 
age. I was permitted to behold scenes and 
investigate subjects I had ardently desired to 
do when on earth, but was wholly incompetent 
for the task. 

The most charming prospects were opened 
before me, with nothing to mar the scene. The 
power of combinations and contrasts, of light 
and shade, the harmonious blending of colors, 
the perfect symmetry of form, were more fully 
understood. The power of sight had so vastly 
expanded that it exceeded all the efforts of 
human skill to attain : the most insignificant 
flower revealed hidden beauties never before 
suspected ; so the ear was exquisitely attuned 
to the harmony of sounds, and from the hum of 
9 



the tiniest insect to the roar of the cataract 
there was perfect concord in Nature's music. 

In all the Creator's works there were such 
wisdom, goodness, power, and love displayed as 
to awaken in the soul the most exquisite sense 
of happiness, confidence, love, gratitude, humil- 
ity, wonder, and reverence. The consciousness 
that this great and holy Being was my Friend, 
that He condescended to admit me, once a 
sinful creature, to dwell in His presence, secure 
from all harm and fear, that He had endowed 
me with so wonderful capacities for enjoyment 
and the acquisition of knowledge, and had 
gratified those desires to their largest extent, 
filled me with blissful emotions, too intense for 
expression. My angelic guide and instructor 
explained what was too difficult for my untaught 
faculties to comprehend, and gave a history of 
the human race, explaining the mysterious deal- 
ings of God with nations, illustrated His justice, 



goodness, and mercy towards the race in His 
dispensations, and unfolded far more of the 
wonders of the plan of redemption than were 
developed in the Word and works of the Creator. 
This was a theme that awakened peculiar emo- 
tions, different, in many respects, from those in- 
spired by the wonders of creation; it touched a 
chord whose vibrations thrilled through every 
part of my being until I was almost overpowered 
by a sense of love to the Author of my salvation. 
My heavenly companion unfolded my own 
personal history, made clear its dark passages, 
showed the tenderness and benevolence of my 
Heavenly Father in His dispensations towards 
me, explained the necessity of various afflictions, 
sufferings, trials, and temptations, which had 
been my lot, and showed me the dangers I had 
escaped through Divine interposition, and the 
ruin that would have followed had my blind 
schemes and perverted will succeeded. 



In my progress over our planet I frequently 
encountered other spirits, with their guides, en- 
gaged in similar pursuits ; some were about 
leaving this sphere for heaven, while others had 
just entered upon their new life. I inquired of 
my instructor why happy spirits* did not go 
directly to their celestial home after death, when 
he replied, " A mental preparation was needful 
before the departed saint could enter upon the 
joys and employments of heaven. There is so 
great a contrast between the condition on earth 
and the glories of the celestial world that with- 
out a special preparation the spirit would be 
dazzled and overwhelmed. It is important that 
the intellectual faculties should be more fully 
developed and expanded, and a more thorough 
knowledge of the works of the Creator should 
be obtained, especially such as related to the 
well-being of the race, and a more thorough 
acquaintance with the fundamental truths of 



science and morals that form the basis of God's 
universal government should be made before 
entering upon the lofty themes which engross 
the attention of the inhabitants of heaven. " 

My thoughts had been so fully employed with 
the new and wonderful scenes open to my sight, 
and the blissful emotions they had awakened, 
that higher degrees of glory and higher pursuits 
of knowledge seemed hardly possible, but now 
I began to feel an impulse to rise higher, and as 
every desire was sinless, it was no sooner felt 
than gratified. I inquired whether redeemed 
spirits ever revisited the scenes of their earthly 
existence, and the angel replied, " They do 
occasionally return for a visit to their friends 
they have left, for whom they still cherish a 
loving interest. Heaven," said my companion, 
" is a place remote from this planet, and in our 
progress thither we have a view of innumerable 
worlds, an investigation of which will form a 
13 



part of your future studies. The abode of the 
righteous constitutes the centre of all other 
systems; it is a world of vast magnitude* com- 
bining the glories of all others. It is the 
masterpiece of the Divine Architect, where His 
skill is displayed in the highest degree of per- 
fection. It is not only the home of angels and 
the redeemed of earth, but of all other sinless 
beings from the planets who have completed 
their mission and were found worthy to receive 
their crown." 

While listening to the description of the 
heavenly home, I felt an irresistible longing to 
enter this rest, when we soon ascended from 
earth, and soaring away through the vast regions 
of space alighted in safety before the golden 
gate of the heavenly city, where we were wel- 
comed by numerous celestial beings and de- 
parted saints, some of whom I had known on 
earth, especially those endeared by the ties of 



kindred. Many sorrowful years had passed since 
our separation, which to me had been years of 
suffering, sadness, and loneliness, but to them 
of joy, rest, and advancement in knowledge. 

Now the reunion, long waited for, was con- 
summated, and the holy rapture of the inex- 
pressible scene, enhanced by the consciousness 
that no future partings would interrupt our 
heavenly intercourse, gave a thrill of joy so 
intense that without it heaven would have been 
less attractive. I could not refrain from looking 
with delight inexpressible on my friends, espe- 
cially on her who had watched my infant years 
and first taught me to repeat our Lord's Prayer, 
and had guided my youthful steps in the path 
of virtue. The fountain of her maternal love 
seemed to overflow as she received another of 
her little flock, while two others who had walked 
with her the golden streets of the New Jerusalem 
stood by rejoicing at the meeting. 
J 5 



All the saints appeared surpassingly beautiful. 
Their spiritual bodies, similar to those they had 
on earth, but greatly superior, were rendered 
faultless, with no signs of weariness, while they 
possessed youthful vigor and constituted a 
proper abode for the soul. Their crowns and 
harps of gold, their robes of spotless white, the 
emblem of purity, their voices of enchanting 
sweetness and melody, their beautiful counte- 
nances beaming with love and intelligence, yet 
each retaining distinctive features, their graceful 
movements, and, above all, their perfect union 
of soul and freedom from any imperfection, 
fitted them for the companionship of the high 
orders of celestial beings with whom they 
associated. 

With this heavenly company, but infinitely 
above them all in the glory and perfection of 
His character, was One who was the chief attrac- 
tion of heaven. Towards Him all eyes were 

16 



directed, and before Him all worshippers were 
prostrate. Angels and archangels, cherubim 
and seraphim, and all the innumerable orders of 
celestial beings and all the saints from different 
spheres, joined in celebrating the praises of the 
Lamb that was slain. To those who had been 
redeemed by His blood, He sustained a peculiar 
relation awakening emotions unknown to those 
who had never sinned. It was, to the redeemed, 
a source of mingled joy, wonder, and humility 
that they were permitted to behold the face 
of Him whom they had longed to see, and to 
dwell forever in His presence with no cloud of 
darkness to obscure their sight. 

All the heavenly inhabitants spoke the same 
language, which was a direct communication 
of mind with mind, adapted to abstract and in- 
tellectual ideas, and conveyed just the thoughts 
intended. Though each soul retained its pecul- 
iarities and tastes, there was no clashing of 
17 



interests, no discords, no suspicions, no jeal- 
ousies ; every one was governed by the law 
of perfect love. These features in the social 
economy of heaven presented the most striking 
contrasts to those of earth, where all, even the 
saints, are sometimes influenced by selfishness. 
Entire confidence in one another, the absence 
of all suspicion, and misunderstanding of mo- 
tives, acts, and words, the complete harmony 
existing in all the relations of this heavenly 
state, were but faintly symbolized by the com- 
munion of the saints on earth ; pure, exalted 
friendship is known in heaven ; its type only, 
exists on earth. Selfishness will blight it, even 
by its shadow ; therefore it quickly withers, 
except on its native soil. The perfect union 
of an infinite company of different capacities, 
tastes, habits, and degrees of knowledge was 
understood by the fact that each one was gov- 
erned by supreme love to God, and perfect love 



to all holy beings. No one was poor, lonely, 
neglected, or unhappy; all met on an equality; 
there were no envious distinctions as to favors ; 
all were as happy as their capacities allowed. 

The scenery of heaven was infinitely and 
agreeably diversified, so that the constantly 
progressive minds of its inhabitants found em- 
ployment without tedious repetition. The grand 
and lofty mountains, the beautiful valleys, the 
sublime cataracts, the peaceful flowing rivers, 
the flowery meads, adorned and diversified its 
extensive domains. Flowers of fadeless beauty 
and countless varieties grew in bountiful pro- 
fusion and exhaled the most delicious odors, 
while the waters of the lakes and streams were 
clear as crystal, so that their golden sands, 
sparkling diamonds, and glittering pearls were 
distinctly visible beneath the gentle waves. On 
their banks grew the Tree of Life, of pre- 
eminent loftiness, whose shadowing branches 
19 



yielded ambrosial fruits that imparted immortal 
vigor to those who partook of them. Balmy 
groves, clear fountains, hills adorned with ma- 
jestic palms, flowery glens and radiant lawns, 
shady recesses and leafy bowers, were most de- 
lightfully interspersed. Nor was there wanting 
in this celestial abode the grandest and most 
sublime scenery. Mountains whose immeasur- 
able heights were veiled in majesty surpassing 
the most awe-inspiring of those on earth, vast 
seas and roaring cataracts, precipitous cliffs and 
immense caverns, all to be studied and admired 
as works of the Infinite Creator. 

None were idle there, but all were variously 
employed according to each one's tastes and 
capacities. Some were discoursing about the 
intricate truths of natural science, and trying to 
penetrate its deep mysteries hitherto concealed ; 
another group was engaged in arranging gar- 
lands of myrtle, laurel, and amaranthine flowers 



to adorn their dearly-loved companions, con- 
versing meanwhile about heavenly themes. 
Another company, whose eyes expressed the 
most tender emotions, were held in breathless 
attention by the glowing words of an eloquent 
seraph who was unfolding to them the mysteries 
of redemption. Some were conversing about 
the scenes, trials, and dangers of their earthly 
career, and as they recalled their past history of 
sins and sorrows, they felt a livelier gratitude 
and deeper humility. Among all the different 
circles, none seemed happier than the older 
saints engaged in the instruction of the infant 
spirits, like " Vernal flowers that scent the morn, 
but wither in the rising day." They had faded 
from earth ere their pure souls had felt the 
blight of sin. These little ones formed by far 
the largest company of those who had passed 
from earth. One, pre-eminent among them for 
her loveliness, I had known and loved, but she 



had been early transferred from an uncongenial 
clime to bloom in the radiance of a heavenly 
world. 

In the central and most elevated part of this 
wonderful scene stood the celestial city, the 
New Jerusalem, with its lofty towers and glit- 
tering walls, rendering it an object of attraction 
to the most distant beholder. The ascent to 
the city was by flights of steps wrought in 
beautiful mosaics of precious stones. These 
flights were interspersed with terraces over- 
spread with flowers of infinite variety, arranged 
to produce the most agreeable effect, while here 
and there were fountains imparting freshness to 
the blossoms. This remarkable city surpassed 
in beauty and magnificence everything the im- 
agination could conceive. It was a quadrangle 
of immense proportions, surrounded by a lofty 
wall composed of the most costly gems. The 
base of the wall or foundation consisted of 

22 



twelve different layers of precious stones. The 
first compartment was jasper of a beautiful 
green variegated with red and yellow ; then fol- 
lowed the sapphire, a gem of heavenly blue, the 
chalcedony of bluish white, and the emerald of 
vivid green. These stones were wrought with 
the most beautiful devices illustrating the history 
of the redeemed, while the names and deeds of 
the twelve Apostles of the Lamb were most 
conspicuous. The second compartment com- 
prised the sardonyx of orange hue, a cornelian 
of red, the chrysolite, a translucent crystal of a 
gold color, and the deep green beryl. The 
gems in this compartment were wrought into 
tracery and fret work of inimitable designs. 
The third and last compartment was composed 
of the yellow topaz, the chrysoprase, a beauti- 
ful yellowish green stone, the red jacinth, and 
the purple amethyst. These gems were set in 
pure gold in the form of different flowers. 
23 



These three compartments of precious stones 
constituted the foundation of the wall, while the 
superstructure was of polished jasper, " clear as 
crystal," with ornaments of the most skilful and 
elaborate workmanship. 

The vast extent of surface these walls pre- 
sented was relieved of monotony by an agreea- 
ble arrangement of buttresses, arches, finials, 
canopies, embattlements, pinnacles, and towers ; 
but the crowning glory of these heaven-built 
walls was the lofty gates, each made of one 
massive pearl. There were twelve of these 
gates, three on each side of the city, guarded 
by angelic warders. These portals were arched 
by deeply recessed mouldings of alternate gold 
and gems, ornamented with flowery devices, 
and surmounted by lofty finials of rare splen- 
dor. These pearly gates were so curiously, 
elaborately, and beautifully wrought as to sur- 
pass description. Vast companies of the heav- 
24 



enly host were ascending and descending the 
steps to the city ; others were walking its beau- 
tiful terraces ; some were entering its pearly 
gates ; while others were viewing the scene 
from its lofty battlements. My angelic guide 
conducted me through one of the spacious arch- 
ways to the inside of the splendid structure. 
What a scene of glory and magnificence was 
presented to my enraptured vision. I gazed 
in astonishment at the sight of such ineffable 
glory until my senses were almost overpowered ; 
but the longer I gazed the greater seemed the 
transcendent splendor. Human language is in- 
adequate to convey an idea of the radiant beauty 
and marvellous wonders of the celestial city. 
The River of Life, with its crystal stream, 
flowed between banks adorned with exquisite 
flowers, while rising above all were the heavenly 
palms, whose branches were borne in the tri- 
umphal processions of the victorious inhabit- 
2 5 



ants. The spacious streets were paved with 
burnished gold, which reflected the beautiful 
images flitting across the polished surfaces. 
Innumerable spacious mansions, fitted up with 
royal magnificence by the Divine Architect, 
adorned the streets ; while on the Hill of Zion, 
in the central part of the city, stood the Temple 
of Jehovah, with the Throne of God and of the 
Lamb. 

Towards this temple the angelic host and all 
the redeemed spirits directed their steps, when 
Gabriel sounded his trumpet, sending its loud 
and melodious notes to the most remote parts 
of heaven, calling the faithful to join in one vast 
chorus for the praise of Him who sitteth upon 
the throne, and to the Lamb slain. With prompt 
alacrity and with heavenly joy they all assem- 
bled in the vast cathedral, built before the 
foundation of the world, with columns of im- 
mense size sparkling with gems and gold, and 
26 



supporting a vast dome whose top was lost in 
an abyss of radiant glory. In the cathedral 
stood the eternal throne of Jehovah of " unem- 
bodied, impalpable, etherial light, fulminating 
streams of living radiance," through all the vast 
-creation. Overarching the throne were three 
bows of different hues mysteriously blended in 
one, typical of the Trinity of the Divine Being. 
Enveloped in clouds of -ineffable glory dwelt 
the incorporeal, uncreated Essence of Divinity 
in awe-inspiring majesty. 

The Second Person of the Trinity, the Son, 
having a corporeal form, was the object of the 
most intense devotion to all the innumerable 
worshippers. Allied to the Father and to the 
human race by His twofold nature, He was the 
medium of communication between the Creator 
and His subjects. The Son was the only rep- 
resentative of the union of the Divine and the 
human; He was the embodiment of majesty 
27 



and grace. His countenance shone with ineffa- 
ble love ; His eyes of penetrating glance re- 
flected rays of Divine intelligence, softened by 
the tenderness of the Heavenly Dove. His 
garment of spotless white was encircled by a 
girdle of sparkling brilliants, while on His brow 
was a diadem of the most beautiful precious 
stones. Among all that vast throng of angels, 
archangels, seraphim, and cherubim that sur- 
round the throne, the Son was pre-eminent and 
peerless. Every eye was directed towards the 
throne waiting the signal for worship, when lo, 
it was enveloped in a cloud of ineffable glory. 
The angelic host covered their faces with their 
wings, and all the vast company of saints 
instantly prostrated themselves and cast their 
gold crowns at the feet of Him who had re- 
deemed them by His blood, joining in one 
mighty song of praise to the Triune God. So 
great were the multitudes of heavenly worship- 
28 



pers that their voices were like the roaring of 
the sea, and the peal of mighty thunder. 

The exercise of adoration being concluded, 
each worshipper resumed his crown and posi- 
tion, while one of the seraphs took the lyre and 
led the host in song, when all instantly joined 
with harp and voice in celebrating the praises 
of God and the Lamb. The divine harmony 
would now expand until all heaven was filled 
with its sound, and then sink so softly on the 
ear that the vibrations of an insect's wings could 
have been distinctly heard. 

In that throng of worshippers were many 
who on earth had " held nations entranced " by 
the sweetness of their songs, and whose brows 
had been adorned by Fame's immortal wreath, 
and now their sweet melodies lent enchantment 
to the celestial choir. Pre-eminent among the 
gifted band were " Israel's sweet singer," whose 
sympathetic lyre had given joy and consolation 
29 



to afflicted hearts, the ancient bard whose hal- 
lowed lips had been purified by living fire from 
the heavenly altar, whose poetical numbers had 
gushed from a heart overflowing with tears for 
the desolations of Zion, and also one whose 
triumphant song was joined with that of the 
Lamb. 

The company of martyrs constituted an im- 
mense throng, forming a countless multitude 
from different nations, arrayed in white robes, 
with palms in their hands, as they stood before 
the throne. They came out of great tribula- 
tion, and were with the Lamb and His com- 
pany. They comprised saints who had given 
their lives for the truth before the Christian era, 
having been put to death by various methods, 
some of which were exceedingly cruel and re- 
volting ; for example, being sawn asunder, while 
others were burned, stoned, hanged, killed by 
the sword, and various other methods. The 
30 



angel designated many who had suffered a 
martyr's death, or who had endured persecu- 
tions on account of their godly lives, as Abel, 
who was the first of the human race to enter 
heaven, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other 
prophets, and many whose names were un- 
known on earth, but were recorded in the 
Lamb's Book of Life. Some of the angels had 
witnessed the death of Abel, and had con- 
ducted his spirit to the realms of glory and 
introduced him to the host of cherubim, ser- 
aphim, and other orders of celestial beings, with 
whom he became an object of interest and ten- 
der love. They knew about the creation of 
man, of his delightful home in Eden, his subse- 
quent fall through the temptation of Satan, of 
his banishment from the garden, and the tragi- 
cal death of Adam's son, who represented the 
saints that after their death would become in- 
habitants of heaven. 

3i 



The angels who had maintained their alle- 
giance to the Supreme Ruler for countless ages 
remembered the revolt and expulsion from 
heaven of Satan and his numerous followers, 
and the history of Adam, and they thought that 
if the members of the human family were ad- 
mitted they might rebel, but one of the arch- 
angels informed his associates that though all 
men were sinners in consequence of the trans- 
gression of their primeval ancestor, they could 
be pardoned and saved only through a Medi- 
ator, by whose future sufferings and death He 
would make an atonement for their sins, and if 
they repented and believed in Him they would 
be eternally blessed. This Mediator was the 
beloved Son of God, and with the Father and 
Holy Spirit was the object of their worship. 

For some time Abel's was the only human 
spirit that occupied the dominion of heaven, 
and, after others were admitted, he was the most 
32 



conspicuous among them on account of his 
righteous life and tragical death. The angel 
pointed out Enoch and Elijah, who were trans- 
lated without suffering death, but whose earthly 
bodies had been changed from mortal to im- 
mortal. The company of martyrs who had 
suffered for their fidelity to God was very large, 
embracing prophets, apostles, members of the 
early church, victims of Paganism, Mohamme- 
danism, and fanatics of the Christian Church, so 
called, during the dark ages, and later. These 
had maintained their principles amid the sever- 
est persecutions and the greatest sufferings. 
One of the most prominent of this class was the 
Apostle Paul, who stood beside Stephen, the 
first Christian martyr, now friends and fellow 
martyrs. 

Among the redeemed were some who had 
occupied eminent positions on earth, as empe- 
rors, kings, queens, nobles, statesmen, poets, 
33 



authors, philosophers, scientists, and other 
famous scholars, but the larger part of the 
company of saints, when on earth, had been 
poor, neglected, and despised by their fellow 
creatures, and many of them had been wronged 
and deprived of liberty, and even of life. 

There were missionaries, preachers, and other 
Christian laborers, surrounded by those they 
had been instrumental in saving. One promi- 
nent group comprised authors of religious lit- 
erature, hymn-writers, and composers of sacred 
music, whose works had been instrumental in 
saving souls. A group of Sabbath-school 
teachers was surrounded by their pupils, who 
had been assisted in leading righteous lives by 
the instructions they received. There were 
many pious mothers whose faithful and con- 
stant instructions had led their children to the 
Saviour, some in early life, and others in later 
years. The companies of little children were 
34 



numerous, but one of the most interesting of 
these was that of the babes of Bethlehem, 
whose lives had been taken by the cruel decree 
of Herod. It is not possible to specify all the 
different classes or their numbers, but they 
were all extremely happy, and united in ren- 
dering homage to the Father, Son, and Holy 
Spirit. 

As my angelic guide was pointing out the 
different groups, a constant procession of saints 
of all ages, and from different nations, who had 
just left their earthly abode, passed through the 
gates of the eternal city, and their expression 
of joy and surprise was great when they saw the 
glory of their everlasting home. 

The inexpressibly wonderful scenes I had 
witnessed made such an impression on my mind 
and heart that I asked my guide to allow me 
to remain, and not return to earth, but he said 
I had not accomplished my work there, there- 
35 



fore I must return, but when it was faithfully 
done I should be admitted to this heavenly- 
company to abide forever. 

When I awoke from this remarkable vision or 
dream, I was so impressed with what I had 
witnessed that I could think of nothing else for 
a long time. 

S. M. B. 



36 



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